* * *
The sightof Reika standing at the open window, her eyes closed and oblivious to any waiting danger, had kicked Stone's instincts into gear.
Soon he was holding her close as he scolded her, trying to tame the flash of fear that had torn through him at the thought of someone harming her.
Then, aware of all the eyes in the kitchen, he'd taken her into the small room used by the cook and housekeeper. It put them even closer together, the space soon filling up with her sweet scent, and he had stared at her lips.
When she half-pleaded by merely saying his name, his control snapped. He needed her, to taste her, to reassure his instinct she was still here and alive.
So he crushed his lips to hers, hauling her softer body against his, groaning at the feel of her full, warm lips.
She clung to his shirt, tilted her head, and parted her lips. It was all the invitation he needed to lick, and lap, and explore every inch of her mouth. As she met him stroke for stroke, he groaned, relieved she wasn't some shy miss who would scream and slap him.
His hands traveled down her back, to her arse, and he rocked her against his hard cock as he continued to dominate her with his kiss.
She writhed against him, and he nearly nicked her lips with his elongated fangs.
Not wanting her to come until he had his mouth on her cunt, he broke the kiss to trail his lips down her neck, to between her breasts, and back up again, wishing her bloody clothes weren't in the way.
He had his hand on her shirt, about ready to pull and pop off her buttons so he could lick her skin, free her tits, and suckle her perfect little nipples when someone banged on the door behind him.
"Stone, open up!"
He broke the kiss. "Fuck."
It was Leo.
Despite the Dark Lord shouting for him to open the door, he took a second to take in Reika's flushed face, swollen lips, and slightly disheveled hair. Even though he'd never been tender with a female in his life, he couldn't resist brushing the stray strands off her face and tucking them behind her ear.
She searched his gaze. "That was…"
"Stone!"
With a growl, he released Reika, turned, and opened the door. The ruler of all vampires in southern England, Leo Yates, narrowed his brown eyes, peered behind Stone to Reika and back again. "One of the maids was worried you might throttle her."
He glared. "I'd never hurt her."
Leo shrugged. "I know that. However, I wanted to check on Reika." Leo pushed his way into the small room, which put him extremely close to Stone's female. He growled and Leo put up a hand to silence him. "I have my own bride, remember? I have no interest in yours."
He knew that, of course. And yet, Stone's instinct didn't like another male standing so close to his fae witch. Especially since he hadn't claimed her yet.
Leo turned his attention back to Reika. "Are you all right?"
She cleared her throat, smoothed her hair, and held her head high.
The sight of her being brave when facing one of the most powerful vampires in Europe only made him want to cheer and praise her.
She replied, "I'm fine. Stone and I were, er, getting to know each other better."
Leo glanced at him and back to Reika. "Well, I'd rather you save that kind of getting to know each other until a few more days have passed. You've just arrived."
Stone growled. "She's not a child, Leo."
"Of course not. But until Khan talks with her and decides her fate, you need to postpone the claiming."
Reika blurted, "Who's Khan?"
Leo explained, "He's another Dark Lord, but in charge of the fae witches. Since your fae witch side is dominant, he'll have the final say in what you can or cannot do with regards to your magic."